WINTER SPORTS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1933, Page 5

WINTER SPORTS

DEPUTATION HELD TO MINISTER ON MT. RUAPEHA. (Pen- Press Association — Copyright.) THE CHATEAU, August 26. ! A unique experience befell the Minister in charge of Tourist and Health. Resorts, Hon. A. Hamilton, during a cisit of inspection to the National Park to-day, when lie was approached by a deputation from Ruapehu Ski "Club, at Salt Hut, situated at a height of 5500 feet on Mt Ruapehu, the highest altitude at which a. Minister cf the Crown has ever received a deputation in New Zealaiiu. Mr Hamilton, together with Mrs Hamilton, climbed 3£ miles from the Chateau on foot, and spent an interesting day in die'snow watching skiing contests on Scoria Flat.

They returned at nightfall after a strenuous outing, greatly impressed with the growing popularity of winter, sports in which over 300 people of both sexes are participating at the Chateau this week. Standing in the snow with the afternoon sun tinting adjacent peaks, the Minister listened to representatives of the Ski Club for a speeding up of present measures for improving access to the skiing ground, and the erection of additional accommodation at Salt-Hut,/-.

The President, Mr A. H.jMoM (Auckland) said that, while lie fully appreciate! the limitations of the l)e* partments as regards finance, they felt 1 strongly tbjxt by providing a room in which contestants and visitors could enjoy a comfortable lunch while watching the sports, encouragement would be .given to more people to visit the Chateau, with corresponding financial returns to the Tourist Deoartment. ■

Mr R. Syme (Hawera), Vice-Presi-dent, urged that- improvements'-' be effected during the coming summer in readiness for next year’s New'Zealand’s Amateur Ski; Championships, which would lie held at Ruapehu. In giving a reply, the,. Minister said that not long ago . the rocky steeps around National Park wbre looked upon as a waste, and is was now realised they - possessed immense value from sporting and health points of view. “I believe, any- money spent in this Park will help-to save doctors’ bills,” he added. “At the same time, expenditure of this kind is-, a direct charge on taxpayers. .. Whatever we do, the first consideration is to make the Chateau pay, and if by spending money on improvement here, we can encourage more people to come, that course will meet with my approval.” ~„Mr B. L. Dallard (Under-Secretary for Justice and Controller General of Prisons) said it was hoped to add further attractions to the park by constructing new tracks and paths to seme of the beauty places. The Minister left oh return to Wellington to-night. •